AFSPA extended in most of Arunachal Pradesh
Source: The Sangai Express / Courtesy The Economic Times

New Delhi, April 07 2015 : The Government has silently extended the controversial Armed Forces Special Powers Act (AFSPA) to almost the entire State of Arunachal Pradesh, citing a serious law and order situation in all districts of the State which border Assam.

The move comes close on the heels of the Union Home Ministry under the BJP Government deciding to reject the Jeevan Reddy Commission report which had recommended repeal of AFSPA in the North East.

Arunachal Pradesh is claimed by China as its its territory but India insists the State to be its integral part.

As per a new notification issued by the Home Ministry on March 27 by its Joint Secretary Shambu Singh, all districts of Arunachal Pradesh bordering the State of Assam have been declared as "disturbed area" under Section 3 of AFSPA, 1958 for the next one year.

Arunachal Pradesh

So far, only three Arunachal districts -- Tirap, Changlang and Londing -- were declared "disturbed" besides areas falling within 20 kilometre wide belt in Arunachal Pradesh bordering Assam.

The new notification says NDFB (S) have now set up their General Headquarters and training camp in Taga, Myanmar and are reportedly contemplating to find out a new route for arms transshipment from Myanmar via Chabglang district in Arunachal Pradesh.

"The geographical terrain of Arunachal Pradesh puts the militants in advantageous position and is used by underground outfits as their safe heaven," says the new notification.

It adds that the law and order situation in all the districts of Arunachal Pradesh bordering Assam has continued "to be a matter of concern" due to violent attacks by underground outfits.

"There is presence of NDFB (S), NSCN (IM), NSCN (K), ULFA (I), KLO, MPLF along the Assam-Arunachal border and KYKL, ULFA, PLA and KCP are helping NDFB (S), ULFA (I) and KLO for movement of men, material, infiltration and exfilaration," the new notification says.

The Home Ministry adds that left-wing extremism is also on the rise in Arunachal Pradesh.

"The left-wing extremism is silently trying to infiltrate into the State as it is found to be mostly active in areas of Dhemaji and Tinsukia districts bordering with the Lower Dibang and Lohit district of Arunachal Pradesh," the Home Ministry notification says.

The entire State of Assam continues to be a "disturbed area" with AFSPA in operation in entire State of Assam.